…returns funds to State coffers
The political standoff in Rivers State escalated on Tuesday as the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly formally rejected and returned sums of N100,000 sent to the personal accounts of its members by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, the Assembly described the transfers as unsolicited and unapproved.
According to the statement, lawmakers received credit alerts on Tuesday morning purportedly on the instructions of the Governor.
The legislative body, however, took immediate steps to refund the money to the Rivers State Government account, citing a breach of due process and constitutional mandates regarding public expenditure.
“As an institution established by law and guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval,” the statement read.
The Assembly used the opportunity to accuse Governor Fubara of fiscal recklessness, alleging that he has consistently drawn from the consolidated revenue accounts of Rivers State without legislative approval, in defiance of the Supreme Court and the principles of separation of powers.
The House also issued a stern warning to civil servants and staff of the Rivers State Government.
“I cease this medium to once again draw the attention of all staff of the Rivers State Government who connive with the Governor and others to contravene the Constitution to the fact that we have become aware of their unlawful conducts,” Hon. George stated.
The Lawmakers assured the public that they would remain resolute in performing their constitutional duties despite the ongoing friction with the executive arm.
